Injured Benzema ruled out of Villarreal match

Real Madrid’s French international striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the Spanish giants’ La Liga match at home to Villarreal on Sunday because of a groin strain, the club said.

The 22-year-old, who only played for a few minutes during Real’s 1-0 defeat away to his former side Lyon on Tuesday in the Champions League, was not included in coach Manuel Pellegrini’s list of players for Sunday’s match.

“I don’t think Olympique Lyonnais played their best against us. We knew they would be strong and well positioned. They improved their game to Champions League standards,” said Benzema, who also missed Real’s 3-0 win over Xerez in the Spanish league due to a left thigh muscle strain.

“We will pull off a turnaround if we concede no goals (in the second leg against Lyon). I have faith in Real Madrid’s drive to reach the next round. We can also win the league title.”

Real’s return leg against Lyon will be played on March 10.

The club trails leaders Barcelona by two points in the La Liga standings.